[VeveJones007]

Good stuff from Holder today on the defense.

The Colts seem likely to run what’s considered a 1-gap defensive front — one that positions defensive linemen to attack a single gap and emphasizes penetration. In the 3-4 scheme used under recently-fired coach Chuck Pagano, the defensive linemen typically are asked to play a 2-gap style. In it, linemen are positioned head up against an offensive linemen and attack one of the two gaps on either side based on reads and where the ball goes once it’s snapped.

The 1-gap scheme will require a lot from defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins, a candidate to be the so-called under tackle – a key element of the scheme. While the system won’t be identical to the one the Colts used under former coach Tony Dungy, the importance of this position can be seen by looking back at the role of Booger McFarland. The former Colts defensive tackle was traded to Indianapolis from Tampa Bay in 2006 and provided a key boost to the defense on the way to the franchise’s only Super Bowl title.

The coming defensive migration could be a compelling reason for the Colts to target North Carolina State pass rusher Bradley Chubb with the third overall choice in April’s NFL Draft. A premier edge rusher, such as Dwight Freeney, is a huge variable in this kind of scheme.

The Colts will need more out of their linebackers. In the new scheme, Jabaal Sheard would presumably shift from rush linebacker to defensive end, playing in a three-point stance. John Simon, on the other hand, seems like a potential 4-3 strong-side linebacker. But questions exist at the middle and weak-side linebacker spots. Whether the Colts have the athleticism on their roster to man those spots is debatable, at best.

The good news here is that Ballard and his staff have a great deal of experience scouting for this kind of defensive scheme. The Colts, according to a source, have already formulated a plan for addressing their defensive personnel this offseason to fit the new scheme. You can rest assured moves at linebacker will be among those changes.

A related point at linebacker: The traditional Tampa 2 defense did not ask linebackers to be frequent pass rushers. But as blitzes have become much more of a staple in the NFL, the modernized version of the scheme is going to include the pressure packages that are a must in today’s game. The linebackers will have to be good in open space and solid in coverage. But linebackers such as Simon, with some pass-rush ability, would definitely be a bonus.

https://www.indystar.com/story/sport...nse/323577002/